House of Reps denies bribe for Motions, Bills allegations

By Christiana Ekpa

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has strongly dismissed allegations that lawmakers are required to pay fees to present motions, bills, or petitions during plenary sessions.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Agbese described the claims made by Hon. Ibrahim Usman Auyo, representing Hadejia, Auyo, and Kafin Hausa Federal Constituency, as baseless and aimed at misleading Nigerians.

He linked Auyo’s remarks to ongoing mental health challenges that have, according to him, severely limited the lawmaker’s participation in the 10th Assembly.

Auyo, popularly called “Kamfani,” stirred controversy in a viral video where he spoke in Hausa, defending himself against constituents’ criticism over his poor legislative performance.

In the video, he alleged that the National Assembly’s legislative processes are financially driven, claiming lawmakers must pay large sums to have their Bills or Motions considered and to lobby over 360 members for support.

However, Agbese revealed that Auyo’s participation in the 10th Assembly has been minimal, with less than 10% attendance since its inauguration in June 2023.

“It is public knowledge that Hon. Auyo has been grappling with mental health challenges, which have significantly affected his performance,” Agbese said. “He has not sponsored a single Bill, Motion, or Petition since the Assembly began.”

While expressing sympathy, Agbese condemned the fabrication of stories about financial barriers in the House, insisting they were attempts to mask poor attendance and lack of engagement.

He challenged Auyo to provide evidence, asking, “If other lawmakers are sponsoring bills and motions, what stops him from doing the same? Where is his proof of these alleged payments?”

Representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency, Agbese stressed that the 10th House, under Speaker Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, operates with transparency, accountability, and intellectual integrity—not financial inducement.

“The Speaker’s open-door policy gives every lawmaker equal opportunity to contribute to nation-building. This is the most transparent House in Nigeria’s history, and Auyo’s allegations insult our collective integrity,” he stated.

Agbese also faulted Auyo for failing his constituents, saying their repeated complaints highlight his lack of tangible contributions.

“If Hon. Auyo thinks the legislative process is ‘rocket science,’ it only reflects his limited engagement, not systemic corruption,” Agbese added.

He urged Auyo to prioritise his health, seek professional help, and focus on delivering for his constituents instead of spreading false claims that erode public trust in the National Assembly.

“If he has proof of wrongdoing, he should take it to the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges rather than make baseless public statements,” Agbese concluded, advising him to learn from more experienced colleagues in the chamber.